Each year during the Melbourne Cup Long Weekend the Bellarine comes alive with wine lovers and holiday-makers.

On November 3 and 4 the 17th annual Toast to the Coast event will take place at wineries throughout the region showcasing some of our finest varieties. Some of the wineries taking part in the weekend’s festivities are also a feature on the Blues Train.

The Bellarine’s own Jack Rabbit has five varieties of red and white wines available on the train, with varieties from local vineyards Nine Yards and Counting, Yublong and Bee Bop Pond also on offer.On Saturday night, our sold out show takes place with performances from George Kamikawa, Wayne Jury, Nardia Rose Band and Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine.

Aside from the festivities of Toast to the Coast rounding out your Blues Train experience and long weekend, there are plenty of spoils in the region to enjoy while you’re here.

A DELICIOUS QUEENSCLIFF

There’s no denying the breadth and quality of dining options in Queenscliff and surrounding suburbs. Since re-opening in 2016 with renowned chef Barry Iddles at the helm, 360Q has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The two-story venue also with a 360-degree viewing tower, features modern cuisine with an Asian flair and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The main street through town, Hesse Street, offers an array of bric-a-brac shops, bookstores and eateries to enjoy. Stop by Shelter Shed café for a coffee (or two) in the outdoor courtyard and if the sun’s shining, a visit to The Scandinavian Ice Cream Company is also a must. If you’re still feeling peckish, a walk to Belsize & Co for one of the café’s many homemade treats should be on the agenda. Click here for more ideas on what to do in Queenscliff.

WHERE TO STAY

While the Blues Train is about your night out on the train, we’re passionate about the whole experience in the region. The moment you set foot in Queenscliff we want your stay to be a great one.

We have a number of accommodation packages on our website, starting with the cosy and reasonable Big4 Beacon Resort in Queenscliff or the Point Lonsdale Guest House through to the luxurious experience of the couples retreat at the fully-restored Vue Grand. Visit our Play and Stay page for a full list of packages and places we recommend to stay.